Over the last 20 years there have been some tremendous changes in processes and efficiencies in the world of R/C. However, while tire designs have evolved, and the rubber has softened, the process of tire mounting hasn’t changed in the time I’ve been around - since about 1995. In that span, many companies have tried to create the ultimate tire-mounting jig, but none have yet succeeded in creating a foolproof design that simplifies, rather that complicates, the process.

With the bead on the 2.2 wheels, it’s so easy that an uncoordinated guy like me can look almost-pro when done. Tires for 1/8-scale buggies and trucks, though, are a whole different ball game — and, for some, can be an absolute nightmare; at the 2016 Dirt Nitro Challenge, I watched as a friend glued a tire to the table, his hand to a foam insert, and his 2.0mm wrench to his toolbox.

Raceform, a brand founded by YK Technologies in Singapore, saw an opening to help 1/8-scale racers with this function and recently released their own tire mounting jigs for both Buggy and giant Truggy tires.

The contraption is very straightforward to use, so it doesn’t take much of a learning curve to start using it right away. The bead holder itself is pre-mounted, so no assembly is required. The base and floating disk have a nice sleek finish so when glue inevitably seeps from the bead of a tire onto it, the tire isn’t glued to it. The Buggy and Truggy versions are similar, varying only in size and the plated finish - black for the Buggy unit, and a metallic Red for the Truggy jig.

The process of using either jig is simple. Put the wheel around the center rod, and then move the bead-puller over the tire. The puller itself does a fantastic job of exposing the mating area of the tire and the wheel, making it easy to apply a small amount of glue in the right spot. When spinning the tire on the plate, the bead-puller keeps the height of the tire around the bead and wheel perfect. Obviously, the Truggy tires are larger and there’s more sidewall to push out of the way, but the unit works fundamentally the same. It would be nice if the center post allowed the heel to be bolted to the base to keep it centered, but as long as you line up the wheel upon installation and don’t bump it, it works fine.

Highs:

Precise, sleek construction hugs the bead of the tire perfectly

Smooth finish stops glue from bonding easily to spinning base

Anti-slip pads on the base keep it stable on smooth surfaces

Lows:

Expensive for what you get

Plastic vertical portions need protection when in your gear bag

Would love the wheel-post be threaded to allow a nut put on to hold the wheel in place

Final Call:

Overall, I’d say this tool is one of the most convenient items I’ve used in some time. Cost-wise, it’s steep compared to the current method of “peeling back” the bead with my hands, but my thumbs welcome not getting covered in glue every tire, and you can spend $60-65 on any number of specialty tools in the RC industry — like pocket scales, driveshaft pin replacement tools and fancy diagonal cutters — that you won’t use as often as this.